Contacting and Reporting suspected Discrimination, Bullying or (sexual) Harassment
The WGEI (Working Group on Equality Issues) informs, advises and supports people in cases of discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, religion/belief and sexual orientation, as well as in cases of sexist behavior and/or sexual harassment and suspected bullying.
General Information
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The WGEI (Working Group for Equal Treatment) provides advice and information on possible remedies in cases of discrimination based on gender, ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, and sexual orientation.
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In addition, the WGEI offers support in cases of sexualized and gender-based violence or harassment, as well as in cases of bullying. Other topics on which the WGEI provides information include the promotion of women, equal treatment, and anti-discrimination.
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In suspected cases of discrimination, the WGEI may refer the matter to the Arbitration Commission of the University for Continuing Education Krems or submit a request to the Federal Equal Treatment Commission for an expert opinion on the existence of unequal treatment.
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In carrying out its duties, the WGEI is bound to confidentiality. Your concern will be treated confidentially upon request.
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Reports of experienced or observed discrimination can be anonymized upon request. Personal data will not be shared with third parties.
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You may submit a report with your name or anonymously. Please note that we can only follow up on reports if the incidents are described in detail and as completely as possible (involved persons, what happened, place, date, approximate time, other witnesses, etc.). Also, please note that we can only contact you for further questions or support if you provide an email address or phone number.
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If you are not directly affected but wish to report an incident of discriminatory behaviour you have observed at the University as a witness, we will also record your report – anonymously if you prefer. This helps us gain a better understanding of such incidents at the University and, if necessary, take further steps and implement measures.
Contact us!
Click here to access the reporting form.
NOTE: To ensure your anonymity, if desired, we recommend using an anonymized email address when submitting your report.
Reporting process
1. Contact WGEI
Members of the university - including students - should contact an WGEI member or the WGEI office if they fear or have experienced discrimination, sexual and/or gender-based harassment or bullying and/or have witnessed it. This can be done either in person (telephone, email) or via the reporting form on the homepage.
1. Initial Contact with the WGEI
Members of the university – including students – can contact an WGEI member or the WGEI office if they fear, have experienced, or witnessed discrimination, sexualized and/or gender-based harassment, or bullying.
This can be done either personally (by phone or email) or via the reporting form on the website. Only the WGEI office receives your message submitted through the reporting form.
If in doubt, contact the AKG.
2. Initial consultation
During an initial meeting, the facts of the case are documented while maintaining confidentiality and the competence of the WGEI is checked. Those affected receive initial information on the legal situation as well as other offices to which they can turn for support.
If the WGEI is responsible, the next steps will be discussed in a subsequent strategy meeting based on your individual needs and the WGEI’s legal assessment.
If it turns out during the initial consultation that the WGEI cannot support the affected person(s) due to a lack of competence, we will try to find another suitable office.
3. Strategy Meeting
In the strategy meeting, which takes place in the presence of a second WGEI member or a representative from the WGEI office—and, if requested by the affected person, with representatives from other relevant bodies such as the works council—perspectives and possible courses of action are jointly developed.
The goal of the discussion is to identify actionable strategies. The affected person independently decides which steps to take. The WGEI can only take action upon receiving a clear mandate from the individual.
Option 3a) Intervention Desired
If intervention or support by the WGEI is requested, the following steps are possible, taking the WGEI’s legal assessment into account:
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Accompaniment or preparation for a meeting with the person responsible for the discrimination, a supervisor, or the Rectorate
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Support in finding a resolution
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Information about referring the case to the Arbitration Commission by the affected person for mediation in disputes between university members (mediation procedure)
If desired, a follow-up meeting may be arranged some time after the support has ended to discuss updates and developments.
Option 3b) No Intervention Desired
The discrimination or suspected discrimination is documented anonymously. No further steps are taken by the WGEI.
4. Conclusion of the Consultation Process
The consultation process ends once the discussed actions have been completed or the affected person decides to terminate it.
